Safety at University of Florida

Published August 19th, 2007

Bags, boxes and other belongings were carted onto University of Florida's campus today. Along with all that "stuff" came more than 8,000 students. Campus police and parents want to make sure everyone stays safe, so parents spent the day moving their children into their new living spaces. The freshman say they're so excited to be here, but along with all that excitement comes concern about safety.

It also brings to mind the Virginia Tech massacre. It's another college starting a new year, but those Hokies aren't forgetting what happened less than six months ago. Either are local students.

Resident Assistant's on campus say part of her job is to ease people's minds.

"That's why we're here - we try to make things easier for the parents and also the students," says R.A. Lauren Boothby

Boothby says University Police are teaching safety and crime prevention. Police say the number one cause for concern, especially this weekend, is property theft.

"Often times their leaving their vehicles open because it's easier to carry armloads up to the residence halls and often keep the doors unlocked," says University Police Officer, Capt. Jeff Holcomb.

And Holcolmb says cars aren't the only thing students need to lock up. He says bicycles are the number one stolen item on campus.

Captain Holcomb says U.P.D. is stepping up patrols. They have officers on duty around the clock to ensure student's safety, and ease parent's minds.